The Costello's: September 2011

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

A Much Needed Vacation

Jim and I were asked to go to Lake Powell on a house boat for 5 days and we gladly excepted that invitation. Jim and I have never been to Lake Powell (that we remember) and we have never been on a houseboat (that we remember). We went with Aunt Lynne, Archie, Brandon and Jessica. Jenny and the boys, Ben and Levi, drove down from Oregon to enjoy in the fun.
On our way to Lake Powell, we stayed at Boulder Mountain Ranch in Boulder, Utah for two days before and two days after the houseboat trip. The Ranch is about 4 miles off the main highway and we had no cell phone reception. Did you hear me, NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION. Actually, I feel that I handled it pretty well and I survived. It's interesting to feel that you need to have your phone at all times and it was nice to not have it and not need it. The reanch had a large log cabin and mini cabins to stay in. The horses graised in the meadow and the are was so quiet you could hear the stream water running through the property.

While at Boulder Mountain Ranch, we went driving around looking for beautiful landscapes and adventures and we found them!

On Monday, we arrived to Lake Powell. We stayed at 3 different coves during the five days. Each night Aunt Lynne had a themed night. The first night was Luau, the second night was Bride and Groom for Brandon and Jessica. The third night was movie night and the 4th night was Baby night for Jim and I. (No, we are not pregnant, YET! hehehe...)

As for the rest of the trip, the pictures speak for its self. It is a vacation that we will always remember and love. We fished, floated on the rafts, rode on the Seadoos, went tubbing, made homemade ice cream, slept on the top of the house boat under the stars, caught frogs, cooked, swam, caught up on books and listens to music.

On our way back home, we stopped at Boulder Mountain Ranch for 2 days. While Jessica, Brandon and myself all decided to take a nap at the Ranch... Aunt Lynne, Archie and Jim drove to Hell's Back Bone which is a big accomplishment for Jim since he is afraid of heights.

Our vacation was ahhhhh-mazing and very much needed.

4 Months of Catching Up

I am not surprised that it has been 4 months since my last blog post but a little birdie ((cough))((Dad))((cough)) has sent me emails reminding me that I need to update the blog. Since May 2011, we have been enjoying time with our friends, birthday's, family events and vacations.
In June, I celebrated my Birthday with friends the weekend before at Megan's house Megan was so sweet and made me feel extremely special. She prepared tacos with all the fixings and strawberry shortcake. Megan even had two of my favorite drinks, fresh mojitos and Stella Rosa wine.

On my actual birthday, Jim and I went to dinner with Stephanie, Ryan and Kennedy as well as one of my best friend since high school, Justin. We went to Don Jose's to enjoy my favorites. Chips n' Salsa and Shrimp Fajitas. Deeee-lish!

For Father's Day, we sepnt the day with Jim's Dad and the rest of the family. The kids came over as well so we had a great time swimming and messing around. We love hanging out with those kids. We also got to call my Dad to say Happy Father's Day though a phone call is not the same as seeing him in person.

In July, Chris and Gwen came to the house for the weekend. I got an above ground pool for my birthday so we swam a lot. Gwen and I went to the fabric store and about buttons, ribbon, lace and fabric to make headbands which are the newest crazy. It was a lot of fun. I also tought Chris a "Mitchell Tradition"... eating watermelon with salt. He loved it!

Towards the end of July I fly out to Alabama to celebrate Jacob's first birthday and Brian's 30th Birthday. We had an absolute blast!! We had the whole family there except Jim. Maybe next time... So, becky and Stacey did an amazing job at putting together this birthday party. I am still amazed at all the creativity that went into the planning.